Member of Parliament Wai Young Announces Support for the 25th Annual Dragon Boat Festival in Vancouver

VANCOUVER, June 20, 2013 /CNW/ - Wai Young, Member of Parliament (Vancouver South), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced support for the 25^th annual Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival.

"Events like the Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival are not only a source of civic pride, but they also stimulate the economy and provide support for local tourism," said Ms. Young. "I would like to thank the many volunteers, event organizers, and the local community for your continued support to make the Dragon Boat Festival a resounding success, year after year."

Funding from the Government of Canada will support the 25^th annual Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival, which is taking place in Vancouver from June 21 to 23, 2013. The event, which is open to the public for free, will feature dragon boat races and showcase local artists and live entertainment on the World Beat Main Stage. Planned activities include traditional and contemporary boat carving demonstrations, live multicultural music and dance performances, and diverse children's entertainment.

"Our Government is proud to support the Rio Tinto Alcan 25^th Dragon Boat Festival, which attracts thousands of tourists, supports local businesses, and contributes to our cultural vitality," said Minister Moore. "I encourage all Canadians to support local festivals and events that contribute to our national identity. On the road to Canada's 150^th birthday in 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, strong, and free country we are today."

"We are grateful to Canadian Heritage for its continued support of our multicultural, sporting, and community event featuring dragon boating," said Jas Kalsi, Chair of the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society. "Support from the Government of Canada will ensure that the annual Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival and its year-round activities will remain a permanent part of the Vancouver lifestyle and create a legacy for all to enjoy."

The annual Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival in Vancouver, recognized as North America's biggest and best event of its kind, attracts more than 100,000 people and close to 180 dragon boat teams from across the Lower Mainland and around the world. The Festival was founded by the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society to highlight Vancouver's growing cultural diversity and to promote inter-cultural understanding among Canadians.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $64,200 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.

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SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

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(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)